NAN MD seeks extension of govt media workers retirement age

Managing Director, News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, has called on the Federal Government to extend the retirement age and service year of staff of Federal Government owned media houses, from the present 60 to 65 or 70 years.
He made the call yesterday in Abuja, at a send forth organised by the agency for its retiring Director of Administration and Human Resources Management, Mr. Mohammed Momoh.
Onanuga said such measure was critical to keep experienced staff longer in service as well as ensure that the experienced hands are retained to continue the propagation of government achievements and activities.
“The Federal Government already allows judges to stay on the job till they are 70 years. Journalists deserve a similar deal”, he said.
“Since I joined the organisation, I noticed that the journalists retiring as directors, are still able and capable to function for many more years. I will therefore advise the government to consider extending the years of service to journalists.”
He described Momoh as a man with qualities that was worthy of emulation, adding that he had contributed greatly to the growth of the agency, starting from the newsroom for many years, before being posted to head the agency’s administration department.
The NAN MD, noted that that a lot of talent abound in the agency and praised the founding fathers for affording staff the opportunity to develop themselves.
“This place is a training ground, I have seen a lot of talents here. We need to improve ourselves and I believe this agency will provide the room for us to do more.”
Earlier, the agency’s Editor-in-Chief, Mr. Lawal Ado commended the outgoing director for his effort in ensuring the progress of NAN.
He described Momoh as, “a director with a human face” and wished him well in his future endeavours as he retires into a new life after putting 35 years in service.
Momoh in his remarks attributed his successes in service to the support he got from staff of the agency over the years.
He called on members of staff of the agency to remain united, strong and indivisible, adding that this was the only way to ensure the continuous growth of the agency.
“I want you people to continue in the unity which I left you, you must solidify that unity, I want you to show yourselves love and work together in love to promote the agency.”
He, however, called on the agency’s staff to be hard working, stressing that hard work does not kill but fortifies individuals. NAN